Page 73 of Marcus: Sins of the Father

It’s not long before I hear their voices carrying from the other side of my door.

I let them in with a smirk. “How was your date?”

“It was great. Marcus saved me about fifteen thousand.” My dad pats Marcus on the back.

“Well, it had rust where the subframes mount to the body and in the wheel wells. So, they’d all have to be replaced. I made a point to make my observation very loudly so no other bidders knocked the price higher than it should be.”

“He was brilliant, Brandy. You should have seen him.”

“Well, I’m glad you guys had fun.” I carry my wine glass into the kitchen to pull the salmon out of the oven.

“What about you? Did you have fun with the girls? Or do you still want to string me up?”

“It was really nice.” I set the pan on the stove top and give him a sly smile. “They wanted all the details on you.”

“What kind of details?”

“Mmm…” I take a sip of wine and cock my head. “I guess they wanted to know about our relationship.”

His face sobers. “Oh, yeah? What’d you tell them?”

My eyes go over his shoulder to my father, and I decide against tormenting Marcus, murmuring instead, “I’ll tell you later. Would you grab some plates out of that cabinet?”

Soon the table is set and Marcus is filling wine glasses as I dish up the food onto each plate. I return the pan to the stovetop and take a seat.

They tell me all about the auction, and I tell them about the girl’s day as we dine.

Marcus clears the dishes, and we walk my father to the door.

“Thank you for coming to my rescue today, Daddy.” I hug him.

“Looks like Marcus had already done the rescuing, but it was nice seeing you. Marcus, walk with me to the car.”

***

Marcus—

“Sure.” I release my arm from around Brandy and follow Gerald out the door.

“I wanted to say thanks for today. It was good getting some time, just the two of us. It gave me a chance to get to know you a little better. I can tell you’re a good guy, and Brandy obviously cares about you.”

“The feeling’s mutual, sir.”

“I see that. I want you to know I’m really trying here, but I’m having a hard time seeing past the motorcycle club thing. Your lifestyle could come back to hurt my girl. Any father would have concerns about it.”

“I understand what you’re saying.”

“But I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt. For now.”

“I appreciate it, sir. I know the club can be worrisome for some, but it’s a brotherhood. They’re my family, and families keep each other safe.”

“Well, I hope that’s true, because if Brandy gets hurt, I will hunt you down.” He locks eyes with me, and I nod. Then he climbs into the car and gives a salute.

As he backs out, I lift a hand in farewell, then shove my hands in my pockets and watch his taillights get smaller. It seems like a door has been cracked open for me, enough to at least give me a chance to prove myself. But it’s a one-shot deal. I fuck this up, I won’t get another one. It’s up to me to prove to her father that she’s safe with me.

I turn and head back inside, feeling optimistic. It was nice having this day with her father. Things are looking good.

As I walk through the door, I can tell the mood has changed. Brandy leans against the counter, arms crossed, looking ready for battle.

---